A Good Nights Sleep

Sleep is a natural part of everybody's life, but many people know very little about how important it is, and some even try to get by on a minimal amount.

It is something our bodies need to do; it is not an option. Like diet and exercise, is important for our minds and bodies to function normally.

It gives the body cells an opportunity of ridding themselves of waste and of repairing themselves.

It is essential to good health as it refreshes the body and the mind. If you get enough sleep regularly every night you will feel and also be able to work better.

How much sleep should a person get each night? The answer depends on the individual. Some people require more, while others require only a minimal amount of sleep. The individual needs to get the amount of sleep necessary to feel alert, healthy, and totally fit. Nervous and tense people usually require more sleep than those of a placid disposition.

Inadequate sleep can cause decreases in:

* Performance

* Concentration

* Reaction Times

* Consolidation of Information Learning

Typical Sleep Needs

Infants

About 16 hours per day

Babies and toddlers

From 6 months to 3 years: between 10 and 14 hours per day. Infants and young children generally get their sleep from a combination of night time sleep and naps.

Children

Ages 3 to 6: between 10 and 12 hours

Ages 6 to 9: about 10 hours

Ages 9 to 12: about 9 hours

Teenagers

About 9 hours of rest per night.

Adults

For most adults, 7 to 8 hours a night appears to be the best amount rest.

Older adults

Older adults are also thought to need 7-8 hours of rest. However, this may be for shorter time spans, is lighter than a younger adult’s, and may include a nap during the day.

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, women may need a few more hours of sleep per night, or find that they need small catnaps during the day.

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